Harvest Manitoba volunteers shine during global pandemic

They say it takes a village to raise a child. This year, it took a village of volunteers to keep Manitoba's food banks running smoothly across the province. For volunteers at Harvest Manitoba's 350+ affiliate organizations, making the season kind extends to work carried out not only during this holiday season, but over the course of 365 days.

We asked Harvest Manitoba affiliates to nominate outstanding volunteers that deserve to be recognized for the positive impact they're making at Manitoba's food banks. These are the unsung heroes and heroines nominated by friends, family, peers and loved ones who are making a difference in their communities.

Meet your 2021 Harvest Stars. Nominee biographies submitted by nominators and may have been edited for length.

'Feel the Stars' is an inspirational song by Manitoba's Keith and Renée (Keith MacPherson and Renée Lamoureux) in celebration of Harvest Manitoba's 35th anniversary. / Harvest Manitoba

Nominated by Simone Abdelmeseih

Andre is a generous listener who takes his time with clients and makes sure that they feel heard. His "can do" attitude makes him an excellent problem solver. He even offers rides to clients and drops them off at home, if they need a lift. Andre always makes people smile and he approaches his work with a happy disposition, even when things got difficult during the pandemic. He leads by example and was instrumental in organizing crews of volunteers to serve the community when a lot of places were closed.  

Nominated by Bonnie Ross

Audrey has been volunteering with the Calvary Temple food bank for about 20 years. She is very loyal and reliable. Clients and fellow volunteers really enjoy conversing with her. Audrey also holds community barbecues in her apartment block, where people can grab a warm bite to go, or eat outside. She's a great asset to her neighbourhood. 

Nominated by Patrick LeBlanc

Catherine has been a part of the Teen Stop Jeunesse Inc. board of directors for more than 19 years, with the bulk of that time serving as the Board President. She was paramount in the development of Teen Stop Jeunesse's current facility, which houses four agencies who work diligently to assist all persons in need. Catherine has not only assisted with the smooth operation of the facility, but has also always made herself available whenever a need arose, such as helping out with the organization's special community events. This past fall, Catherine retired as president of the Board but has remained active as past President.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Daniel is a reliable and courteous volunteer. He's always willing to pitch in and he is a great asset to Harvest Manitoba.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Don is a volunteer who could be described as a "dream volunteer" or a "career volunteer." He spends two times a week volunteering at Harvest Manitoba's agency department. The rest of the week, he volunteers in the sharing surplus department. While working in agencies, Don implemented an innovative policy for agencies coming to pick up food, which streamlined the process. These agencies had to fall into three categories: one pallet of food that was waist high; two pallets of food; and unlimited food. Harvest Manitoba is thankful to Don for his generosity of time and expertise.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

When Laura is not volunteering at Harvest, she provides respite for children in Child and Family Services' care. She brings the children into Harvest to volunteer in order to teach them about giving back. She also works in a home helping people with dementia. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Manuel is from Gersbach, Germany. He joined the Harvest warehouse team through the Christliche Dienste program, which is a Mennonite initiative that provides volunteer services abroad. Before working in the warehouse, Manuel was placed with the volunteer services team. Manuel believes his journey to Canada and the experiences he's had here in Manitoba have opened his eyes to different perspectives and deepened his interpersonal skills.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Mellisa is not your typical 22-year-old. She's undertaking 18 months of missionary work in Harvest Manitoba's call centre. "I grew up in the church and I'm very religious, and one of the scriptures that we focus on [is one that] talks about when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you're in the service of your God. So, as I serve other people, I'm serving my God, which is super important for me."

Mellisa also said by serving others, she hopes people feel appreciated and that they are loved. Volunteering at Harvest has made Caballero go out of her comfort zone and do things she wouldn't necessarily do on her own.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

The Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute leadership program is making Harvest Stars out of its student body by encouraging volunteering.

"I started it, I believe, nine years ago. We have quite an incredible student population and every year, a new batch of kind, hardworking, kids just seem to roll in. They want to give their time, they want to be a part of something and they want to volunteer. A lot of it is, they're not sure where to volunteer, where to go, who to speak to. So, that was the initial motivation to start this program. We started making partnerships with some places in and around the community, Harvest Manitoba being one of them," said Nick Malandrakis, teacher and leadership program coordinator at the school. 

The leadership program has 170 students who, in just over a month, have put in 1,500 hours. The students volunteer at Harvest in groups of 10 and have already been booked into Christmas. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen Inc. was founded in 1994 by Eileen Zarvie when she saw the need in the community. Today, 27 volunteers serve an average of 325 meals a day (now in "to go" boxes in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic) to community members. 

The kitchen was initially set up in the Memorial Hall at the courtesy of the City of Selkirk. A volunteer board was established in the late 1990's when the soup kitchen was taken over by various churches in the area. However, it is still supported by many churches and businesses from Selkirk and the Interlake areas today.  "Covid has changed our procedures, but not our commitment!" said Beverly TerHorst, co-chairperson. 

Since the pandemic, Our Daily Bread also began preparing meals for the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA). This effort has allowed the people who work in the public health sector to stress less on preparing meals for their family on top of all the amazing work they have exhibited in their respective fields. They serve on average 150 meals each week where IERHA delivers to their clients' homes.  

On top of all the work they do, Our Daily Bread also financially supports the breakfast program at Ruth Hooker, Robert Smith, Daerwood and Centennial Elementary Schools. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

It's not uncommon for Adeline Abraham to drive two hours from Black River First Nation to Winnipeg to collect food for her reserve's food bank. "Every day somebody gets hungry," she said. "Harvest Manitoba's important to me as it helps a lot of people. A lot of people are hungry."

The Black River Food Bank is one of more than 325 food banks and agencies that receive food from Harvest Manitoba. The First Nation is 980 people strong. Users of the food bank come for clothes and food hampers. The most requested items are milk, diapers, potatoes and vegetables. The food bank picks up food from Harvest once a month and it's run by the members of the community. 

According to the Black River Chief Sheldon Kent, the food bank has helped the majority of residents on the reserve who are struggling with social assistance and large families. He also noted that when the food bank is closed, children who go to school find it hard to concentrate because they're hungry. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Southquill Health and Area Inc. is a food bank located three hours northwest of Winnipeg, off Highway #10. It is a small town of about 500 people in the Municipality of Clanwillian-Erickson, due south of Clear Lake and Riding Mountain National Park, on Treaty No. 4 territory. 

Michelle Amiotte and Heather Howdle, both tireless advocates for ending poverty in their communities, are the co-runners of the Southquill Food Bank. They work with a dynamic team of 20 volunteers to feed all 177 families each month. 

"Some of our volunteers help with sorting, packing, donation pickups and deliveries to and from Brandon," said Amiotte. "We had to improvise and set up a system to cover our safe practices once COVID arrived in Manitoba. We support each other emotionally and spiritually, and our team comfortably smudges with sage and a prayer before we start our hamper day."

The food bank is a collaboration between Rolling River First Nation, Services for Seniors, and local volunteers, which distribute food hampers to hungry families once a week. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

The St. James Anglican Church Food Bank Wechetowin (Cree for people helping people) has been open for nine years and the team serves about 25 families every two weeks. 

"We have a space and knew there was a need in our community," said Elizabeth Bonnet, Food Bank Coordinator. "We're giving out food and the clients are giving us something. It's about connecting, it's about being human. The clients are part of our lives now, they have become family."

The food bank team picks up Harvest Hampers and places them on pews for their families to pick up.  Elizabeth often adds additional items for larger families. During the pandemic, their Church closed due to Public Health Order, but Bonnet convinced the Bishop to keep their food bank open as an essential service. Although many of the older volunteers were unable to continue, Elizabeth and her crew carried on with the work.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Through the efforts of the Lac Du Bonnet Lions Club and the Lac du Bonnet Knights of Columbus, the Lac du Bonnet and Area Food Bank has been in operation since Oct. 1, 2001. Since then, they have grown exponentially to service the needs of the twelve surrounding communities. 

"One day, my wish is that our doors will close because of a lack of people in need. Until that day comes, the Lac du Bonnet and Area Food Bank is here to meet that need," said longtime volunteer Carol Lesko.

Their primary goal is to provide a 2-day supply of basic groceries for those needing a helping hand. They rely mainly on the generous support of the community through donations and more than 50 volunteers to keep their pantry well stocked and client's fed. 

As many rural residents know, it is extremely difficult to get the things that a family needs if they do not have transportation.  Lac du Bonnet saw this issue with their clients and partnered with several social agencies throughout the region to register clients in need.  A pickup and delivery system was put in place to provide hampers, which has proven to be especially valuable during COVID. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

The history of Sparling (Weston) Food Bank began in 1904 when it was established as the Weston's House of Friendship. Over the years, the food bank has partnered with several non-profits in the community, including the Seniors Resource Council, Weston Memorial Community Center, and NorWest Community Health Cooperative. 

Although it began in 1904 as a place of friendship, it officially became a food bank more than 20 years ago. It currently has 51 regular clients, but can have upto 10 emergency visitors plus up to eight walk-ins. Their main clientele are senior citizens on a limited income, newcomers and the under-employed.

Volunteers at the food bank come mostly from the Sparling United Church and the Rosser Grosse Isle United Church, plus a few clients who want to return some of the goodwill they received back to the community. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Steve is a volunteer driver for Harvest. He also sets up all the tax refunds that Harvest provides to the public every year. Steve is an integral part of Harvest Manitoba and his energy and the gift of his time contribute to the smooth running of the organization.

Nominated by Babou Kinkumba

Feyi is a volunteer who has been with the 160 Smithfield Food Bank since 2017. During the first wave of COVID-19, almost all of the volunteers took a step back because of the pandemic. Feyi was the only volunteer who kept the operation open with  Food Bank Coordinator Babou Kinkumba. In addition to her unwavering commitment, Feyi's presence is always appreciated. She serves her community with love and attention. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Neil is an avid volunteer of the City Community Garden. He also volunteers in his church community. Neil is dependable, reliable and never misses a shift. He's an awesome worker! 

Nominated by Sara Yagelniski

Kona Preston Crane is 17 years old and in grade 11 at Erickson Collegiate. He takes the afternoons off from school to volunteer his time at the Southquill Food Bank in Erickson, Manitoba. On other days, he also helps unload shipments that come in for the food bank. He helps with loading, sorting, packing, even lifting boxes up to 50lbs, all with a smile on his face. 

He greets clients, always asks if they need anything, and loves to help people - especially elders. Kona will often offer to carry hampers to elders' vehicles so that they don't have to. He's kind hearted, thoughtful and a very polite boy. I appreciate the kindness he extends towards the adult volunteers that he works with, and how he treats everyone in the food bank with respect. 

Ever since I met him last year, I have been really impressed with how he shows up to help out his community. Thanks Kona for all your work and dedication!

Nominated by Jill Plett

Liz has been involved in the local Food Bank for 9 years, since its inception in 2012. Recently retiring from the board, Liz still loves to serve regularly at the food bank. She deserves to be recognized for her heartfelt service. She puts in a minimum of 25 hours a month serving in our food bank.

Liz often goes above and beyond the call of duty. She willingly gives up her time - even outside of food bank hours - to make emergency hampers. She knows each client by name, their food preferences and stories. She is known to check in with clients who are struggling with their health and connect them with resources to add to their support network. She has a genuine heart for people. Some clients call her a helping angel, which is a very fitting description of her.

She has a gift with her words, and always seems to know what to say according to the situation. Liz is extremely willing to give of herself. She's a community connector, and really cares about people.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Leslie Murphy walked into Harvest Manitoba July 2009. Leslie was unable to work anymore due to severe arthritis and wanted an opportunity to give back to the community.  Now she comes in to volunteer with Harvest Manitoba three and half days a week, but will often stay the full day if she is needed.

Leslie now volunteers in client services at Harvest Manitoba, booking clients at different food banks and creating new client files. She can often be heard reassuring new clients and making them feel as comfortable as possible while finding them a food bank location in their neighbourhood. Leslie is also very reliable and has amazing interpersonal skills. Harvest Manitoba team members always look forward to seeing her, and she makes a point of learning about other team members and what is important in their lives.

Leslie makes everyone at Harvest Manitoba feel cared for and appreciated. When we think of someone who puts others before themselves, we think of Leslie Murphy.  Leslie is someone who wants to help her community by giving the most precious gift of all: Her time. 

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Joann volunteers in the Harvest Manitoba call centre, booking clients at food banks. Joann often comes in for extra shifts or stays later, if she is needed. She enjoys chatting with the clients and can often be found taking the extra time needed to talk about events or things that the clients find important. She truly cares for the people she talks with on the phone.

Joann has said often that volunteering with Harvest Manitoba is the highlight of her week and it makes her feel like she is giving back to her community. She is a great colleague and often brings muffins for everyone to cheer them up and start their day off right.

Joann is an amazing individual who brings love and light both to the people she speaks to when booking appointments and to the team that she works with at Harvest Manitoba.  

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Rod has volunteered at Winnipeg Harvest since the spring of 2013. For several years he worked in Winnipeg Harvest's call centre. This work involves taking calls from clients who are in need of food assistance. The Harvest Manitoba call centre team is expected to have a high degree of patience and compassion for the needs of clients while at the same time demonstrating a lot of technical skill and knowledge. Rod exemplifies all these things.

In the past year, he has also taken on the duties of registering food bank clients by email, as well as working on Harvest Manitoba's intake line. This means that Rod is the first voice a new client hears when they reach out for food assistance.

Rod's work and positive demeanor has reduced the pressure felt by the Harvest Manitoba crew, who experience multiple priorities, in addition to reducing wait times for clients. He also creates and updates the spread sheets used to track all of the statistics that are tallied each month. Rod has contributed to the overall positive, caring and safe atmosphere that Harvest Manitoba wishes to create for their clients. 

Nominated by Rubina Atif

Richard is a volunteer with Sscope Inc. in the Thrift Store. He is a very punctual volunteer, and works hard to make sure that the work at the thrift store is done properly and efficiently. He's also a cheerful Christmas guy who loves decorating the Christmas trees. His demeanour is really appreciated.

Richard is a great role model for other volunteers. He gently directs them to complete their tasks and takes time to assist everybody who ever asks for help without hesitation. SSCOPE Inc.'s volunteer coordinator Hermon Tesfom has nothing but praise for Richard.

Nominated by Svjetlana Mlinarevic

Since May, the Canadian Celiac Association Manitoba Chapter have been partnering with Harvest Manitoba to secure gluten free food for clients and members have volunteered their time to help sort and pack specialty hampers for those with celiac disease all over in the province. They are also independently raising funds to purchase gluten free foods for Harvest Manitoba celiac hampers.

On Friday, December 3, CBC Manitoba presents Make the Season Kind, a day of programming in support of Harvest Manitoba. Enjoy performances from local musicians as well as inspiring stories with Marcy Markusa, Marjorie Dowhos, Faith Fundal, Janet Stewart, Stephanie Cram, and more.

Harvest Manitoba is a charitable organization committed to ensuring that no Manitoban goes hungry. In a normal month, the organization feeds 80,000 Manitobans, including hungry children, hardworking yet struggling families, adults and seniors through over 350 agencies including food banks, soup kitchens, schools and daycares.

Last year, with your generous support, CBC Manitoba audiences set a new fundraising record. Over $301,000 was raised in support of Harvest Manitoba.